Delivering Power Bill Relief For Local Households

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward MP has today announced that the NSW Government has invested $15 million in clean energy funding for a new solar program aimed at saving low-income households hundreds of dollars each year on their power bills.

Mr Ward said that over 1,200 householdsacross the Illawarra and Shoalhaven are expected to take part in the voluntary program by exchanging their Low Income Household Rebate for a new 2.5 kilowatt solar power system.

The trial scheme will be rolled out in five selected State regions that will maximise the benefit of solar for local households. The regions are: Illawarra – Shoalhaven, Sydney – South, Central Coast, North Coast, and South Coast.

“The bill savings from the rooftop solar trial are expected to be close to double the value of existing rebate savings with an average bill reduction of $600 per household per year,” he said.

“This means that local Illawarra – Shoalhaven households who choose to participate in the program could be around $300 better off each year.

“The program is entirely voluntary and eligible recipients will be able to reap the benefits of the program by exchanging their rebate in return for a rooftop solar system.

“We know energy bills are placing pressure on low-income consumers so we must ensure that we are doing everything we can to offer support for struggling households.

“In total, the $15 million in funding will be used to provide free rooftop solar to up to 3,400 eligible households across the State.

“The latest round of clean energy funding has now seen a direct injection of over $170 million into providing energy bill relief for households and businesses, including in regional NSW,” Mr Ward concluded.